Yes Greg , I'll be there with you to support the team Tuesday, as I know a few others on here will I do laugh at the ones on here who say how there ok with the season but have showed up for 5 games, what happened to support ing the team through good times and bad. People complain about the student and overall attendance. Last night was a sad commentary on this board, there were maybe 3 board members at the game. If you don't watch when we lose why do you think anyone cares about your opinion when it's all unicorns and rainbows around the program
Yes he deserves a break for putting together a whole new team.
Yes he has not done a great job coaching this year.
But the season ended when GG quit.
Finally got some time with my laptop here in surprisingly chilly San Diego. I wanted to expand on this post because there are a lot of good points in here, as I have already indicated.
Y'all have seen me get angry with folks out here this year, from Super to the younger guys here and on Twitter. See, I'm a big picture guy, and I don't think it's fair to put a label on stuff or call Tobin a failure when season 1 is still going on, yada yada yada. Even now, I'm hesitant, because sports are insane and wonderful and unpredictable and the minute we all pack our bags, this wack-ass bunch will figure it out and win 4 straight in AC. It's sports, the improbable often becomes probable.
That noted, I will say now that I apologize to the Iona fans that I've gotten angry at, but understand that all I was trying to do was keep a positive vibe out here. I'm not going to sit here and tell you that I'm best friends with Tobin or anything, but I do know him enough to know this is absolutely killing him. The guy has won his whole life, everywhere, and now, he's not. I know I couldn't sleep after coaching my team to a Pop Warner loss, so I imagine he's just about worn out. I'm sure he's not giving up per se, but I do suspect once this season DOES end, presumably by the quarters in AC, a part of him will be relieved so that he can being the 2024-25 campaign by saying goodbye to the old guys and the weaker frosh, and hitting the portal and JUCO ranks to replenish. I suspect he has a better idea of how to navigate the portal, NIL, etc, than he did 12 months ago, so all we can hope is we'll see the fruits of that enhanced knowledge by this time in 2025. But, to get back on track, many of you are angry, sad, disappointed, etc, and you have every right to be, so have at it. But I WILL save some drama, he's not getting fired or anything, so let's not get stupid with posting stuff like he should be fired. Vent, yell, stamp your feet, rant about how this year sucked and why--but be realistic, is all I ask.
Next point in the post above: 100%, this was a crazy scenario where he had to reply on the portal and a large freshman class to fill the roster. Unprecedented, and even the best coaches are gonna have misses and aren't going to know in advance how well guys will mesh. The idea of getting a bunch of grad kids and a bunch of freshmen made sense, but the grad kids didn't get it done, they didn't provide leadership, and there are too many one-dimensional guys in there. It's not easy to do what Tobin TRIED to do. I think we ALL know that and I think we all UNDERSTAND that this type of season was going to be a possibility. BUT.....you guys are also right that something happened in February, obviously centered around Gordon, and that this team lost its way. Remember when we won 5 of 6? We were looking good, scoring points, feeling as capable as anyone. Then, again we don't know what, or at least I don't, something happened, and the dynamic shifted. The shift coincided with Tretout's return, and with that, soon after, Gordon was gone. Completely educated guess is that there was something amiss between the two of them, they each wanted to be the alpha but neither really knows how to be, and instead of coexisting things went south. Gordon established himself as a superstar in this league when Idan was out, and it all changed when he got back. I don't know anything for a fact, it's just a complete guess on my part. But all I know is that Gordon left and then, save for the game at Marist, our season collapsed. IMO, we got the answer to the "who's the alpha" question, and he took off for whatever reason, and when that happened, ANY chance we had of being a threat in AC went out the window. And, in fact, without him we are clearly the 2nd worst team in this league.
And yes, the problem isn't that the Gordon departure happened, but that Tobin allowed it to happen. Again, I have NO idea how things went down, but losing Gordon was huge, not just for this season but he would have been the unquestioned alpha next season. Now, Gordon obviously has some stuff going on in his own head, but there's no questioning his talent, and I really really wish Tobin could have found a way to get the kid to stick it out for 3 more weeks, because then you do have that window to work on him staying. I don't know what drove Gordon to go--maybe he's got some jackass in his ear telling him he can play at a much higher level and get buckets of NIL. Yeah, that's not happening. I guess I'm just saying I would have done whatever I could to convince him to stay. I'm not saying Tobin didn't, because I don't know, but I guess what I'm saying is that if Tobin really really wanted him to stay, he would have found a way to convince him to do so.
Anyway, I've rambled enough. I hope the team finds a way to get it together to beat Siena, and then go into AC with at least some hope of getting out of the PIG. As we've all discussed out here, NO ONE in this league is so good that we won't have a chance in a quarterfinal, but that's a long way away right now.
So, go nuts, y'all. Say what you must, because you're not wrong. And whenever this season wraps up, Sharkey, I86 and I will be all over the interwebs, scouring for recruiting info as we rebuild. I'll be time to forget about this season and start fresh, and I think we're all looking forward to it.
Apology accepted! My only beef with your commentary is the intimation that others are not "big picture" guys. I've been at this for 57 years-- from McDermott to Anderson and everyone in between--and have definitely lived through and enjoyed the roller coaster ride that comes with being an Iona fan.
So I have to push back some on the narrative that the opinions of those that don't attend "X" amount of games don't matter.
There are plenty of reasons, some fans can't attend as many games as others, or go to AC for the tournament. Their opinions are no less than any other's.
There are other ways to support the program, such as donations directly to the school and especially to the Iona NIL.
I envy those that can attend most games, both home and away, and especially in AC for the tournament. Sorry, that's not the 1st time I have read that narrative on the board, and yeah it hits a nerve.
Yes Greg , I'll be there with you to support the team Tuesday, as I know a few others on here will I do laugh at the ones on here who say how there ok with the season but have showed up for 5 games, what happened to support ing the team through good times and bad. People complain about the student and overall attendance. Last night was a sad commentary on this board, there were maybe 3 board members at the game. If you don't watch when we lose why do you think anyone cares about your opinion when it's all unicorns and rainbows around the program
Gregcrow/1970--For only the 2nd time in the 43 year history of the MAAC tournament, I will not attend. Don't misread that--plane tickets, auto rental, hotel reservations are already made. Unfortunately, my home suffered some damage this week from a significant storm, and I need to manage comtractors, insurance, etc. I'll be there in spirit, and possibly in person, if/when there's a game on Saturday.
So I have to push back some on the narrative that the opinions of those that don't attend "X" amount of games don't matter.
There are plenty of reasons, some fans can't attend as many games as others, or go to AC for the tournament. Their opinions are no less than any other's.
There are other ways to support the program, such as donations directly to the school and especially to the Iona NIL.
I envy those that can attend most games, both home and away, and especially in AC for the tournament. Sorry, that's not the 1st time I have read that narrative on the board, and yeah it hits a nerve.
That's not what I said. The ones that show up only when we win, the 2 losing years you couldn't find them, big difference. I understand there are fans that are older or who live further away, but the ones that only show when we win are comical. Last night we literally had 20 Iona fans, usually we have 2 sections plus scattered seats in the gym Sharkey I know you are a great fan
Yes Greg , I'll be there with you to support the team Tuesday, as I know a few others on here will I do laugh at the ones on here who say how there ok with the season but have showed up for 5 games, what happened to support ing the team through good times and bad. People complain about the student and overall attendance. Last night was a sad commentary on this board, there were maybe 3 board members at the game. If you don't watch when we lose why do you think anyone cares about your opinion when it's all unicorns and rainbows around the program
Gregcrow/1970--For only the 2nd time in the 43 year history of the MAAC tournament, I will not attend. Don't misead that--plane tickets, auto rental, hotel reservations are already made. Unfortunately, my home suffered some damage this week from a significant storm, and I need to manage comtractors, insurance, etc. I'll be there in spirit, and possibly in person, if/when there's a game on Saturday.
Yes Greg , I'll be there with you to support the team Tuesday, as I know a few others on here will I do laugh at the ones on here who say how there ok with the season but have showed up for 5 games, what happened to support ing the team through good times and bad. People complain about the student and overall attendance. Last night was a sad commentary on this board, there were maybe 3 board members at the game. If you don't watch when we lose why do you think anyone cares about your opinion when it's all unicorns and rainbows around the program
Gregcrow/1970--For only the 2nd time in the 43 year history of the MAAC tournament, I will not attend. Don't misead that--plane tickets, auto rental, hotel reservations are already made. Unfortunately, my home suffered some damage this week from a significant storm, and I need to manage comtractors, insurance, etc. I'll be there in spirit, and possibly in person, if/when there's a game on Saturday.
So I have to push back some on the narrative that the opinions of those that don't attend "X" amount of games don't matter.
There are plenty of reasons, some fans can't attend as many games as others, or go to AC for the tournament. Their opinions are no less than any other's.
There are other ways to support the program, such as donations directly to the school and especially to the Iona NIL.
I envy those that can attend most games, both home and away, and especially in AC for the tournament. Sorry, that's not the 1st time I have read that narrative on the board, and yeah it hits a nerve.
That's not what I said. The ones that show up only when we win, the 2 losing years you couldn't find them, big difference. I understand there are fans that are older or who live further away, but the ones that only show when we win are comical. Last night we literally had 20 Iona fans, usually we have 2 sections plus scattered seats in the gym Sharkey I know you are a great fan
That's not what I said. The ones that show up only when we win, the 2 losing years you couldn't find them, big difference. I understand there are fans that are older or who live further away, but the ones that only show when we win are comical. Last night we literally had 20 Iona fans, usually we have 2 sections plus scattered seats in the gym Sharkey I know you are a great fan
Needles to say a lot has transpired this season. Did any of us expect this-probably not. Starting with TA. Anyway my hats off to Guy and Greg and some of the others whom, although disappointed have stayed both rational and positive. True fans understand!! I am thankful to be a fan and to have a team to follow. Coach Al is blessed to be a part of the Iona sports community starting with basketball. It has provided a sense of belonging. Rooting for the Gaels has given me and others a shared identity and a feeling of being part of something larger. Strong social connections have been established over the many past years. yes I have a healthy background as a former coach and I can analyze logically. Truly absorbed in the game and a old warrior that does not fade away. Upon saying the above lets continue to grow and look forward to another legacy started by TA and his staff. We still have a few games left this season. Go Gaels Coach Al PS To win 13 games this season with the shelf bare and having to restock so late in the pre-season is a major accomplishment in itself. Hats off to staff and team!!!! -
Yes Greg , I'll be there with you to support the team Tuesday, as I know a few others on here will I do laugh at the ones on here who say how there ok with the season but have showed up for 5 games, what happened to support ing the team through good times and bad. People complain about the student and overall attendance. Last night was a sad commentary on this board, there were maybe 3 board members at the game. If you don't watch when we lose why do you think anyone cares about your opinion when it's all unicorns and rainbows around the program
Gregcrow/1970--For only the 2nd time in the 43 year history of the MAAC tournament, I will not attend. Don't misead that--plane tickets, auto rental, hotel reservations are already made. Unfortunately, my home suffered some damage this week from a significant storm, and I need to manage comtractors, insurance, etc. I'll be there in spirit, and possibly in person, if/when there's a game on Saturday.
Wow, that sucks. Hoping the damage is manageable.
Odd year indeed when Super doesn't make it to the MAAC Tourney! Odd year all around as I know a couple other regulars who can't make it for one reason or another (Nick, JPR).
I'll be there through Friday regardless, because, as we are so spoiled, it's just what I plan for every year. Even with Iona not likely to make a run, there's no question the week will have its share of drama--on the men's side, anyway.
The greatest poster in the history of the MAAC as determined by THREE separate polls.
Gregcrow/1970--For only the 2nd time in the 43 year history of the MAAC tournament, I will not attend. Don't misead that--plane tickets, auto rental, hotel reservations are already made. Unfortunately, my home suffered some damage this week from a significant storm, and I need to manage comtractors, insurance, etc. I'll be there in spirit, and possibly in person, if/when there's a game on Saturday.
See you Saturday 👍
Great post!
The greatest poster in the history of the MAAC as determined by THREE separate polls.
Finally got some time with my laptop here in surprisingly chilly San Diego. I wanted to expand on this post because there are a lot of good points in here, as I have already indicated.
Y'all have seen me get angry with folks out here this year, from Super to the younger guys here and on Twitter. See, I'm a big picture guy, and I don't think it's fair to put a label on stuff or call Tobin a failure when season 1 is still going on, yada yada yada. Even now, I'm hesitant, because sports are insane and wonderful and unpredictable and the minute we all pack our bags, this wack-ass bunch will figure it out and win 4 straight in AC. It's sports, the improbable often becomes probable.
That noted, I will say now that I apologize to the Iona fans that I've gotten angry at, but understand that all I was trying to do was keep a positive vibe out here. I'm not going to sit here and tell you that I'm best friends with Tobin or anything, but I do know him enough to know this is absolutely killing him. The guy has won his whole life, everywhere, and now, he's not. I know I couldn't sleep after coaching my team to a Pop Warner loss, so I imagine he's just about worn out. I'm sure he's not giving up per se, but I do suspect once this season DOES end, presumably by the quarters in AC, a part of him will be relieved so that he can being the 2024-25 campaign by saying goodbye to the old guys and the weaker frosh, and hitting the portal and JUCO ranks to replenish. I suspect he has a better idea of how to navigate the portal, NIL, etc, than he did 12 months ago, so all we can hope is we'll see the fruits of that enhanced knowledge by this time in 2025. But, to get back on track, many of you are angry, sad, disappointed, etc, and you have every right to be, so have at it. But I WILL save some drama, he's not getting fired or anything, so let's not get stupid with posting stuff like he should be fired. Vent, yell, stamp your feet, rant about how this year sucked and why--but be realistic, is all I ask.
Next point in the post above: 100%, this was a crazy scenario where he had to reply on the portal and a large freshman class to fill the roster. Unprecedented, and even the best coaches are gonna have misses and aren't going to know in advance how well guys will mesh. The idea of getting a bunch of grad kids and a bunch of freshmen made sense, but the grad kids didn't get it done, they didn't provide leadership, and there are too many one-dimensional guys in there. It's not easy to do what Tobin TRIED to do. I think we ALL know that and I think we all UNDERSTAND that this type of season was going to be a possibility. BUT.....you guys are also right that something happened in February, obviously centered around Gordon, and that this team lost its way. Remember when we won 5 of 6? We were looking good, scoring points, feeling as capable as anyone. Then, again we don't know what, or at least I don't, something happened, and the dynamic shifted. The shift coincided with Tretout's return, and with that, soon after, Gordon was gone. Completely educated guess is that there was something amiss between the two of them, they each wanted to be the alpha but neither really knows how to be, and instead of coexisting things went south. Gordon established himself as a superstar in this league when Idan was out, and it all changed when he got back. I don't know anything for a fact, it's just a complete guess on my part. But all I know is that Gordon left and then, save for the game at Marist, our season collapsed. IMO, we got the answer to the "who's the alpha" question, and he took off for whatever reason, and when that happened, ANY chance we had of being a threat in AC went out the window. And, in fact, without him we are clearly the 2nd worst team in this league.
And yes, the problem isn't that the Gordon departure happened, but that Tobin allowed it to happen. Again, I have NO idea how things went down, but losing Gordon was huge, not just for this season but he would have been the unquestioned alpha next season. Now, Gordon obviously has some stuff going on in his own head, but there's no questioning his talent, and I really really wish Tobin could have found a way to get the kid to stick it out for 3 more weeks, because then you do have that window to work on him staying. I don't know what drove Gordon to go--maybe he's got some jackass in his ear telling him he can play at a much higher level and get buckets of NIL. Yeah, that's not happening. I guess I'm just saying I would have done whatever I could to convince him to stay. I'm not saying Tobin didn't, because I don't know, but I guess what I'm saying is that if Tobin really really wanted him to stay, he would have found a way to convince him to do so.
Anyway, I've rambled enough. I hope the team finds a way to get it together to beat Siena, and then go into AC with at least some hope of getting out of the PIG. As we've all discussed out here, NO ONE in this league is so good that we won't have a chance in a quarterfinal, but that's a long way away right now.
So, go nuts, y'all. Say what you must, because you're not wrong. And whenever this season wraps up, Sharkey, I86 and I will be all over the interwebs, scouring for recruiting info as we rebuild. I'll be time to forget about this season and start fresh, and I think we're all looking forward to it.
Apology accepted! My only beef with your commentary is the intimation that others are not "big picture" guys. I've been at this for 57 years-- from McDermott to Anderson and everyone in between--and have definitely lived through and enjoyed the roller coaster ride that comes with being an Iona fan.
This is fair.
My point is that as fans we often let emotion override logic, it's the nature of fandom. And when you have a team like this one--going from a solid road win over a good team to an embarrassing loss over a bad one--it puts us all over the place, too, thus making it harder for us to stay within the big picture mentality.
The greatest poster in the history of the MAAC as determined by THREE separate polls.
